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In just over two months, all eyes in the men’s fastpitch softball world will turn on Midland for the start of the International Softball Congress World Tournament, to be held Aug. 13-21 at Emerson Park and the Redcoat Softball Complex.

“The tournament is going to be a collection of the best men’s fastpitch players in the world, said Kyle Beane, co-chairman of the 2010 Midland ISC Host Committee. “These players work during the offseason getting ready for this tournament. And we believe we’ve got the best city and venue for these players to play.”

Twenty-four teams have already qualified for the World Tournament, and a total of 48 teams will make the field.

This year’s format has been revised to include all 48 teams in the opening rounds of the ISC World Tournament. The first 24 teams that are eliminated from the World Tournament will be entered in the ISC II Championship single-elimination bracket.

“Teams started to qualify during the Memorial Day weekend and there will be qualifiers through July 2,” said Beane. “Also, in the 50-and-over Legends Tournament we have 10 teams signed up and would like to have 16 teams. The Under-19 tournament has eight qualified teams presently.”

With over 41,000 individuals or groups having committed to be sponsors, make donations or provide in-kind services, preparations for Beane and co-chairman David Lach have transitioned away from fund raising and on to park preparations.
“In the past, host cities were able to secure grants to run the tournament,” said Lach. “We couldn’t secure those, so we had to approach a lot of different local people and organizations. Fortunately, we’ve had great participation from the community.”
Beane agreed.

“We’re just thrilled,” said Beane of the number of sponsors. “The people that have supported softball for years have continued their support.”
Lach said the improved Redcoat Softball Complex (formerly St. Charles Fields) has given the ISC a great venue to supplement the primary venue of Emerson Park.
“Emerson Park is the premier facility for this type of event, but it only has three fields,” said Lach. “With upgrades to the Redcoat Complex by the Midland Softball Association, we are now able to use the new Redcoat Complex. The complex has meeting rooms, restrooms and changing facilities, which better meets the needs of the ISC staff and players.”

Beane and Lach now focus on field preparation, coordinating volunteers and the live streaming of games as they head toward opening day of the tournament.

“Right now, we’re trying to get (Emerson Park) set up,” said Beane. “We’re trying to figure out where are we going to put the ticket gates, beer tents, trainers, photographers and vendors. Do we have enough seating for people? We’re looking at bringing some tents in for people to sit under.”

Also included in the preparation will be an upgrade to the infield at Currie Stadium in Emerson Park.
“Anybody who has played there knows that there is quite a crown on the infield,” said Beane. “Starting June 14, we’re going to make it flat again and improve the playability.”

Past tournaments have needed between 175 and 200 volunteers.

“We’ve got a good start at securing enough volunteers, but we still need more,” said Beane. “We’ll need about 200 volunteers to take tickets, park cars, clean up or work in the beer tent.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer can email the host committee at info@midland2010isc.com or go to the tournament website at www.midland2010isc.com.

Being a world championship, it’s important that the tournament offer live streaming for fans all over the world.

“Charter is actively working with us to minimize the costs of high-speed Internet installation into Currie Stadium,” said Lach. “Thus far, through a detailed site review, we have been able to reduce the costs of bringing hard-wired service to the facility by two-thirds.”

This entry was posted on Friday, June 4th, 2010 at 8:01 pm and is filed under ISC, Tournaments. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.